Annual Awards Gala & Fundraiser

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Date & Time

2026 Gala
Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Location

JW Marriott Grand Rapids, International Ballroom, 235 Louis St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Fees / Admission

Ticket Type Price: Member (active member of WMHCC) US $150
Non-Member US: $175

There are also sponsored tables (table reservations for 10) available — appropriate for organizations or groups.

Note: Buying a ticket does not guarantee that attendees will be seated together unless the whole table is reserved.
People First Economy

Ticket sales reportedly close ~2 weeks prior to the event.

Contact Info

Event organized by West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (WMHCC).
For sponsorship, table reservations, or more info: contact Kim Hillebrand at kim@westmihcc.org. (Events & Membership Manager at WMHCC) — per previous Gala announcements.

The flagship fundraising and celebration event of West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (WMHCC), dedicated to honoring outstanding individuals, businesses, and nonprofits in the Hispanic/Latino community in West Michigan.

Recognizes excellence across multiple categories (business, entrepreneurship, leadership, young professionals, community impact, nonprofits).

Also serves as a major fundraising opportunity to support WMHCC’s programs, initiatives, and community development efforts

Nominations are publicly announced for 2 weeks
Nominations Open: March 5, 2025
Nominations Close: March 25, 2025

Anyone can be nominated regardless of membership
Anyone can nominate an awardee

A panel of volunteer judges are selected and composed of community leaders are selected. Judges have expertise and experience is business, entrepreneurship, and/or talent development

Nominees are contact and have to accept or decline the nomination:

All accepted nominees have 2 weeks to complete the application
Judges are grouped and review selected categories applications based on a rubric and score based on the submitted applications.
WMHCC receives all completed rubrics and tallies final scores.
Top scores/awardees are presented at the annual awards gala.

Winners may only win once every 10 years.

2025 Annual Awards Gala & Fundraiser Highlights

Become a member and get benefits such as discounts on event tickets.

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